Lambeth Palace Refurbishment: Sustainability, Heritage, and Accessibility

Sustainability, Heritage, and Accessibility

Lambeth Palace Refurbishment

Lambeth Palace, the London office of the Archbishops of Canterbury, has been a place of prayer, hospitality and ministry for nearly 800 years.

In 2022, the first major refurbishment of the Grade I listed building in over 70 years began to address failing infrastructure, make the building accessible to all, and meet the Church of England’s commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030.

Dramatic upward view of the entrance tower at Lambeth Palace, showing its stoneworkdetailing under a clear blue sky.

“Before anything, Lambeth Palace is a place of prayer and worship, hospitality and service. It seeks to play its part in the life of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, by making Jesus Christ known in our world today. As we prepare for the ministry of the next Archbishop of Canterbury, we are delighted that this refurbishment means Lambeth can continue to fulfil this role in the life of the Church for many years to come.”

The Revd Tosin Oladipo, Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury 

Architectural drawings of Lambeth Palace for its refurbishment

Net-Zero Commitment and Sustainable Design

At the core of the refurbishment was a comprehensive sustainability strategy. A new Energy Centre, powered by three air source heat pumps, now supplies the entire site - replacing gas heating. A 2km-long underground network of insulated heating pipes distributes warmth across the campus, aided by energy-efficient trench heaters and radiators, including 140 refurbished radiators.

Plant room at Lambeth Palace, housing heating and plumbing infrastructure with insulated pipework and large water tanks.

More than 160 single-glazed windows were replaced with double-glazed sash windows that combine airtight performance with historic sensitivity - achieved through collaboration with Historic England. Roofs and walls were insulated, rainwater is now harvested for flushing toilets, and 39 tonnes of timber were recycled - reducing emissions by 20 tonnes of CO2.

“reducing emissions by 20 tonnes of CO2.”

The front of Lambeth Palace looking up from below.

Solar panels were discreetly installed on the roof. These sustainability interventions have cut annual CO2 emissions from 647,000kg to 233,000kg - with projections to reach 81,000kg when the project is fully complete. Greywater recycling and efficient electric kitchens further enhance the energy profile of the site.

View from the rooftop of Lambeth Palace, showing solar panels in the foreground and the Palace of Westminster skyline in the distance.

Improving Accessibility to a Historic Site

Ensuring equal access to Lambeth Palace was a critical aim. Stone ramps now provide step-free access to the main entrance, and lifts throughout the site are fully accessible. Twenty-six new toilets were installed - including DDA-compliant and Changing Places bathrooms - ensuring visitors, residents, and staff can navigate the building safely and with dignity.

Beautiful access ramp entrance to the palace

Interior redesign included level flooring and widened passageways where needed. These changes are largely invisible from the outside, preserving the appearance of the Grade I listed buildings while significantly improving functionality.

Preserving Lambeth Palace’s Heritage

Protecting the Palace’s ancient fabric was a central priority. The team adopted a 'fabric-first' strategy - retaining original features wherever possible and repairing with traditional materials and techniques. Conservation included 1,450m² of floorboard replacement, 800m² of stonework restoration, and over 13,500m² of careful plastering and painting.

“800m² of stonework restoration”

Vaulted ceiling at Lambeth Palace, showcasing decorative white plaster ribs and gilded bosses in a geometric pattern.
The grand entrance to Lambeth Palace after it's refurbishment

Craftspeople from across the UK - including stonemasons, joiners, and plasterers - collaborated with apprentices on site. This ensured traditional skills were preserved and passed on. Original fittings, such as bookcases in the Great Hall, were repurposed as wall panelling, demonstrating a circular approach to conservation.

Craftsperson in safety gear restoring the ornate vaulted ceiling of the entrance hall at Lambeth Palace, standing on a platform under gilded bosses.
Close-up of the front door to Lambeth Palace restored to original masonry.

Archaeological Discoveries During the Refurbishment

The scale of construction allowed for the most comprehensive archaeological investigation of Lambeth Palace ever conducted. Coordinated with MOLA, the dig uncovered over 240 historic wall segments from the 11th to 19th centuries, along with medieval decorative fragments and the tiled cloister floor that may have been walked by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

“walked by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.”

People in hard hats standing above an archaeological site in the grounds of Lambeth palace

Archaeological discoveries added layers of complexity to the project, after excavations for the new service trench unearthed significant artefacts and remnants dating back to the 12th century, including remains of the walls of the medieval palace. Close collaboration with Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) and Historic England ensured these discoveries were recorded, protected, and incorporated into revised design strategies.

Interior view of the Great Hall at Lambeth Palace, with timber hammerbeam roof and tall arched windows.

A Model for Sustainable Heritage Retrofit

This holistic refurbishment project not only safeguards the Palace for future generations, but also serves as a model for sustainable retrofit of listed buildings across the UK. It demonstrates that accessibility, environmental responsibility, and heritage preservation can coexist - even in sites of extraordinary cultural significance.

Detail of an ornate light fixture mounted on a white-painted post inside Lambeth Palace.